49ers

Daily Madden: The Problem With Thursday Night Football

Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by strong safety Kam Chancellor #31 and linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 15, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The NFL is reportedly considering expanding the number of Thursday night games. John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew it’s a bad idea.

“I’m concerned about the safety of Thursday night football,” Madden said. “I just don’t think that the body can go through what it goes through on Sunday and then come and play again on Thursday. And as the season goes on that gets more and more true… We have way too many injuries.”

So why play more Thursday night games?

“It’s all about money,” John said. “They’re trying to create another television package.”

49ers receiver Mario Manningham, injured late last season, returned to the practice field this week. But Madden said it will take him awhile to return to top form.

“You spot him and you gradually get him back in the game,” John said. “I have too much respect for the game to think that someone cannot practice and not play the game and then come in and play the whole game and play it well.”

San Jose Sharks player Dan Boyle suffered a head injury and was removed from the ice on a stretcher after he was illegally checked from behind by St. Louis Blues player Maxim Lapierre. Lapierre was ejected.

“The way that I think (that kind of play) has to be taken out is through coaching,” Madden said. “Players have to realize that if they do that it’s penalties, it’s fines, it’s suspensions, and it hurts their team. And I think when it hurts their team, and they’re not as effective, and they lose some games because of it, I think then the message gets home.” The Sharks won 6-2 to remain unbeaten. (6:40)